Our Philosophy of Patient Care
We recognize that illness and healing involve all aspects of ourselves: biolgoical, psychological, social and spiritual.
We seek to create therapeutic partnerships that are compassionate and attuned to the unique needs of every patient.
We know that each person can be empowered to bring greater wellness into his or her life.
Doreen Lafferty, massage therapist, works with a patient to reduce pain and enhance circulation. |
More Choices in Healing
Many people are searching for something more they can do for their health in addition to standard, medical treatment. Some
continue to experience symptoms such as chronic pain and fatigue, or are unable to tolerate the side effects of prescription
drugs. Others simply want to feel better and more alive. At the Center of Integrative Medicine we offer more choices in healing.
Our expert clinicians bring you more options and opportunities by integrating promising complementary therapies into high
quality, medical care.
Taking Charge of Your Own Health
As soon as you walk through our door, you become the most important member of our team. We will confer with you, answer your
questions and work together.
We understand that you have unique health needs, values and priorities. Your ability to make the right choices requires a
clear understanding of both the potential benefits and limitations of the complementary therapies we offer. Through an open
dialogue, we are committed to keeping you fully informed and finding an approach that works best for you. We also have a reference
library that you can use to enhance your understanding of complementary therapies.
In the end, the goal of all therapy is to expand your own capacity for self healing. Medical care should activate, support
and strengthen that capacity. We believe that every person can realize greater wellness.
Attention to the Whole Person
Standard medical treatments usually target single body parts or systems. We add to this by providing an approach that seeks
to nourish, balance and vitalize the whole individual. We have found that specific symptoms such as asthma, abdominal pain,
high blood pressure and fatigue may improve when the entire person is supported through nutrition, stress reduction or other
supportive therapies.
At the Center we hold a vision of the human being that recognizes that the mind plays a profound role in the healing process.
We also acknowledge the spiritual reality of our lives, and the possibility to transcend beyond our suffering to find greater
connection and meaning. Healing involves body, mind, community and spirit.
Who Our Patients Are
Our patients come to us for a wide range of reasons. Many seek additional treatment for chronic or recurrent medical problems,
including:
- disorders such as chronic fatigue, irritable bowel syndrome and fibromyalgia
- allergies, food and chemical sensitivities
- chronic pain
- cancer, hepatitis C and other illnesses requiring additional, supportive therapy
- intolerance to standard medicines such as anti-inflammatories and pain relievers
- recurrent sinusitis, bronchitis and middle ear infections
- stress-related conditions, anxiety and depression
Some of our patients simply look to experience greater energy and wellness. Most are attracted by our philosophy of supporting
their own ability to heal using therapies that nourish, balance and integrate. Our patients appreciate that our physicians
do prescribe conventional medicines and order standard diagnostic tests whenever necessary, and work closely with other physicians
involved in their care.
Your First Visit
As you walk into the Center for your first visit, you will know that you have entered a warm and welcoming environment.
Most patients initially meet with a Center physician, who performs a thorough evaluation. This is necessary to ensure that
we create the most effective treatment plan for you. Most evaluations consist of a detailed review of your medical history
and medical records. We look at medications, vitamins and herbs you are taking; other treatments you may be receiving; diet
and lifestyle habits; sources of stress in your life and environmental sensitivities. We may also recommend standard diagnostic
tests, including blood tests, as necessary, and recommend certain complementary tests to further reveal nutritional deficiencies
or imbalances in your body.
Patients who are referred directly by an outside physician and provide appropriate medical records, may see our acupuncturist,
massage therapist or one of our other nonphysician providers on the first visit.
Once treatment begins, you will find that our staff is available to answer any questions, and to meet with you and any family
member or support person you choose. You’ll feel comfortable with the conversation and easy give-and-take that are such an
important part of our program. We will work closely with your referring physician. Of course, should you require additional
medical expertise or services, we will coordinate them with appropriate specialists.
